The Department of Political Science offers both undergraduate and graduate- level programs leading to the B.A., M.A., and the Ph.D. degrees. The primary fields of study on the graduate level are comparative politics, international relations, American politics, contemporary political theory, constitutional theory, and political philosophy. Courses are also offered on the politics of major geographic regions and on global economic, political, and military problems. A B.A. degree is given in public policy. Doctoral students are expected to concentrate in one of the above listed six fields or may request to substitute an interdisciplinary area focus, such as South Asia or the Middle East, instead. Skills necessary to conduct research that both generates and analyzes data are required.
The Political Science Department currently has a faculty of approximately 20 members with area specialists in North America (United States), Europe, South and East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Recruitment will emphasize American politics over the next several years. In addition to a heavyenrollment in its undergraduate courses, the department granted an average of 120 B.A.s per year over the last five years (1985-1990). In 1990-1991 approximately 80 graduate students were enrolled in the program with 20-25 entering each year. An average of 2 Ph.D.s per year were granted between 1985- 1990. An unknown number of M.A.s was also given.
The diversity of the discipline is evident in the department's collaborations with other schools and departments. A dual degree program offering a M.A. in Political Science and a Master of Governmental Administration through the Fels Center of Government serves primarily students specializing in International Relations who plan careers as practitioners. Other interdisciplinary degrees in the School of Arts and Sciences with a significant political science component include International Studies (A.M. / MBA) and Conflict Analysis and Peace Science (A.M., Ph.D.).
Research centers such as the Population Studies Center, the Middle East Center, and the Center for Soviet and East European Studies promote research and graduate training in specific areas involving political science concerns. The Anspach Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs (also located in Stiteler Hall along with the Political Science Department) sponsors career counseling programs, occasional conferences, and grants primarily to graduate students for training in diplomacy and international service careers.